Debt free and staying that way while I re-evaluate life and keep blood sugar levels down 1 January at 10:41PM edited 30 March at 12:52PM in Debt free diaries 149 replies 8.7K views

jackieblack

Humdinger1 said:

Yup @jackieblack the diabetes consultant told me herself that fat had been unfairly vilified which pushed most people towards carbs and sugar; this in turn was driving a massive boom in diabetes.  I've read books written by a doctor M*k* M*s*l*y and he says the same.  Cereal makers back in the 50s apparently had a big part to play, together with other processed food manufacturers.   Who'd have imagined...

Yup, and in a lot of products labelled ‘low fat’, the fat has been replaced with some kind of sugar! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Luckily, word seems to be getting out there now and even within the NHS - despite the official line still being that T2 is inevitably progressive and irreversible 🙄 - individuals are recognising and accepting the successes experienced by those of us eating low carb 🎉 

Humdinger1

Blackcats said:

I think that the honesty and shared learning on these boards is fantastic.  It's often interspersed with humour as we look back at the things we did and the lessons we now wish we'd learned earlier.
We had a conversation with friends yesterday over a glass of wine when they shared that they still have a mortgage, a loan and some credit card debt but that their retirement lump sum will pay some of this off.  OH announced that MrsBlackcats is really good with money - I nearly spluttered my Pinot all over the table.  He said that I had a monthly budget, had reduced grocery spends, had got savings and always got cash back etc if I could.  All of which is actually true but is so new to me and so different to former me that it came as a pleasant surprise.
I genuinely attribute my ongoing reformation to this site and the wisdom gleaned from the diaries I read.

The lump sum will only pay SOME of it off!  I am sorry to say that they are probably heading for a massive crash with reality at some point @Blackcats.  Fab that your OH recognises your expertise.  Agree re the support and honesty available here.  Thanks everyone for posting and for anyone reading who hasn't yet commented love Humdinger xx 

redofromstart

The forums and most contributors have always helped people who are willing to be helped which is a lovely thing.

Humdinger1

So, today is the start of a process where I look at various ways to boost my income.

I have various matters in hand.  My main income dried up last April, as the industry was hit.  Never have I been more grateful for a sideline which is fascinating work but poorly paid.  I'm planning to talk to the owners of the sideline business to see if I can add more value to the company and so earn more; it might be that if they have plans to sell the company or look for investment, I could help and that could justify higher pay. That conversation could start next month.  Today I'm talking to one of the owners of my previous major client that's been hit, for a brainstorming session about other possible opportunities.  I'm company secretary for my DH's limited company and a small salary is probably due to me so will talk to accountant about that today.  I'm also going to look at a couple of networks focusing on part time flexible work to see if there's anything there.

I am currently drawing about the same as state pension from my work so am viewing it as practice, though I wouldn't be relying on that as have private pension, as does DH.  Conscious spending and balancing it with exercise which is key to health I think and will enable me I hope to have a happy life that includes some work.

I think my previous experiences have left me with a slight tendency to catastrophise when there's no need.  We have enough money for a meaningful life; the current news is worrying but I can take steps to manage the stress by taking lots of exercise and counting my blessings. 

Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx 

jwil

Good luck with it

CL21

Good luck Humdinger. I know well the tendency to catastrophise but sounds like everything is on an even keel at the moment and plenty of contingencies in place x

enthusiasticsaver

Hope the discussion about the sideline business is fruitful. If you have been in the mire debtwise previously it is unsurprising if you have a tendency to catastrophise. As you say though as long as you prioritise and have enough for essentials the rest is window dressing. There are lots of pleasures out there which don’t cost a fortune. 

I have this ongoing debate with my walking friends which I wonder if others have a view on? I led a 7 mile walk yesterday with the Ramblers with about 26 people and we finished next to a tea room which surprisingly for January was open. We had all taken food with us but some of us felt we should try and support local businesses by going in for tea and cake. I can easily afford it but it goes against the grain to spend when I had my flask and a banana still in my backpack. Should we spend to support businesses or should we be saving every penny during these current times? 

SueP19

Great read and I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with in terms of additional income, an issue I need to address too

PS @foxgolves I’m a 60s babe too and totally agree, we are the product of war time rationing parents with credit is norm kids

Humdinger1

So, the hot news on the work front is that I'm meeting the MD of the major client tomorrow morning to talk about this year.  Fingers crossed!

In other news, I've managed to reverse type 2 diabetes.   It's staying that way too, if I can manage it...low carb and sugar diet forvever.  Thanks everyone for checking in love Humdinger xx 

badmemory

A very well done re the diabetes.  You've cracked it now & know you can do it.  What a win!